Safety & Scams

Is Cambodia Safe?

Yes, Cambodia is generally safe for tourists. Most visitors have trouble-free trips. However, like any destination, awareness is key.

The scam compound stories in international media primarily involve human trafficking operations in Sihanoukville and Poipet — they do not target tourists visiting temples and beaches. That said, petty crime and tourist scams do exist.

Importantly, the Cambodian government has been actively cracking down on these scam compounds in recent years. Large-scale raids, arrests, and shutdowns of major trafficking centers have been ongoing, with cooperation from international law enforcement agencies. Authorities are working to dismantle these operations, and affected zones are heavily policed. As a regular tourist staying in mainstream travel areas — Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Battambang, Kep, Kampot — you are extremely unlikely to encounter anything related to these compounds.

Common Tourist Scams

Transport Scams

• Inflated tuk-tuk prices: Drivers at tourist spots quote 3-5x the normal rate
• "Meter is broken": Use ride-hailing apps (PassApp, Grab) to avoid this entirely
• Long route: Drivers taking roundabout routes. Use Google Maps to track your ride

Street Scams

• Card games: "Come play a friendly game" — it's rigged, you'll lose money
• Fake charities: Children selling bracelets "for their school." The money goes to an adult organizer
• Sob stories: Elaborate stories asking for money. Be polite but firm

Border Crossing Scams

• Unofficial fees: Officers asking for extra "processing" or "health check" fees beyond the official $30 visa
• Currency tricks: Giving change in riel at a bad exchange rate

Safety Tips

• Bag snatching is the most common crime in Phnom Penh. Wear bags on the side away from the road
• Avoid walking alone late at night, especially in poorly lit areas
• Don't flash expensive items — phones, cameras, jewelry
• Sihanoukville: Exercise extra caution. The city has changed significantly due to rapid development
• Landmines: Rural and forested areas, especially near the Thai border, still have unexploded ordnance. Never leave marked paths in rural areas

Emergency Numbers

Note: Emergency response times vary significantly outside Phnom Penh.

ATM Safety

• Use ATMs inside banks or malls, not standalone street ATMs
• Cover the keypad when entering your PIN
• Skimming devices have been reported — check for loose card slots
• Avoid withdrawing large amounts at night